Unveiling America: Conquest, Colonization, and Impact on Spain
The Discovery of America
In 1492, three ships under the command of Castilian explorer Christopher Columbus discovered a new continent: America. Castile needed a new route for spices due to the closure of ports in the Middle East by the Turks. They also sought gold and spices, driven by a love of adventure, knowledge, proficiency, and world evangelization.
These voyages began with the Capitulations of Santa Fe. On October 12, they arrived in San Salvador Guanahani. Columbus later made three trips to
Read MoreThe Jacobin Convention and the Rise of Napoleon
The Jacobin Convention
In June 1793, the Jacobins arrested key Girondin political leaders. That same year, they enacted a new social constitution based on democracy, popular sovereignty, and universal direct suffrage to ensure equality. The executive power was placed in the hands of a Committee of Public Safety, which concentrated all power under Robespierre.
To address external threats to the Republic, they organized an army, decreed mass conscription, and initiated the Reign of Terror. The Committee
Read MoreCapitalism’s Post-War Transformation: Growth and Welfare States
The Capitalist World Since 1945
The capitalist world since 1945 covered large areas of the planet. The most important areas were North America, Western Europe, and Japan, which experienced a growth spurt called the “welfare state,” interrupted only by the oil crisis in 1973. These were the golden years of the capitalist system, which had undergone a profound change to avoid repeating the mistakes that led to the crisis of 1929. In the 1980s, neoliberalism emerged, and the state minimized its involvement
Read MoreSecond Spanish Republic: Reforms and Challenges (1931)
Biennium 1931: The Second Spanish Republic
The Second Spanish Republic emerged from Republican causes, marked by constitutional aspirations and a provisional government focused on social, educational, labor, and military reforms.
Proclamation and Initial Actions (April 14, 1931)
On April 14, 1931, the Second Republic was proclaimed in Eibar, where the Republican flag was first raised. Several cities, including Barcelona, Seville, Zaragoza, and others adhering to the San Sebastián Pact (SSEB), joined
Read More20th Century Thought: Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, and Darwin’s Impact
20th Century Mentality: Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, Darwin
The 20th century saw a significant shift in mentality, largely influenced by the works of Marx, Nietzsche, Freud, and Darwin. While differences existed, a consensus emerged, primarily criticizing the prevailing ideas of modernity. Each thinker explored hidden aspects of human existence: Marx examined economic forces, Freud delved into the unconscious, and Nietzsche questioned established values. Darwin’s theory of evolution challenged traditional
Read MoreUnderstanding the Second Spanish Republic: Key People and Events
Key Figures and Events of the Second Spanish Republic
Niceto Alcalá Zamora: Born in Priego de Córdoba, he was a member of the Liberal Party and a deputy since 1905. Radicalized during the dictatorship in 1930, he declared himself a Republican, joined the revolutionary committee, and became its head. Upon the proclamation of the Republic, he became interim prime minister but resigned. Soon after, however, he accepted the position of president and remained until 1936.
Alejandro Lerroux: His incendiary,
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